The Veteran's right breast gynecomastia status post lumpectomy with recurrent mass and scar was treated by local excisions that did not significantly alter the size or form of his breast, resulting in a denial of a compensable rating.,The Board has also reviewed the Veteran’s claim under Diagnostic Codes 7801, 7802, 7804, and 7805 for scars. A new VA examination is needed to determine if left breast fibrosis (claimed as gynecomastia) is related to service or secondary to PTSD.
The deciding factor: The pre-amendment Diagnostic Code for scar ratings pertained to deep and nonlinear scars, which the Veteran's right breast gynecomastia scars do not meet.,A new VA examination is needed to determine if left breast fibrosis (claimed as gynecomastia) is related to service or secondary to PTSD.
- Claimed conditions
- Right breast gynecomastia status post lumpectomy with recurrent mass and scar, Left breast fibrosis (claimed as left breast gynecomastia)
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 24, 2020
- Citation
- 20005818
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
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This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.